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Santander: Basic current account reviews

4.12
Based on 339 reviews, last reviewed 5th Sep 2026
82% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
200% increase in 1 star reviews
in the past 90 days
See only 5 star reviews
52%
See only 4 star reviews
20%
See only 3 star reviews
13%
See only 2 star reviews
3%
See only 1 star reviews
12%

Latest highest rating:

4

Average bank, friendly staff I find the branch staff friendly Reviewed on: 14th June 2026
Craig Hopkins's avatar
Craig Hopkins

Latest lowest rating:

1

Title: I deeply regret switching to Santander I switched my personal banking to Santander, initially attracted by the £175 switching offer. My experience since then has been appalling, and I now h... Read more Reviewed on: 5th September 2026
Simon Flaig's avatar
Simon Flaig

About this product

The Santander Basic current account is for people who’ve been turned down for another current account, have a poor credit history, or are new to the UK for work or study.

The Basic current account has a contactless debit card, basic banking facilities, mobile banking as well as no fees for using Santander cash machines abroad.

Santander Basic account reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used Santander before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

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Santander Basic current account reviews (339)

Great call centre staff

5
I absolutely love my bank! I have been with Santander for over 20 years, when it was Abbey National. Their online banking is secure, efficient and easy to use. Their telephone banking service is exceptional! The really great thing about it is that when you call you are put straight through.... To a REAL PERSON . The call centre staff are professional, helpful and friendly. They are never pushy. In one occasion when I got into a bit of a muddle they were sympathetic and understanding and refunded bank charges to improve my situation. They offered good intentioned advice without coming across as patronising, for which I was really great full as I wasn't feeling particularly great at the time. The staff in my local branch are also excellent and you always get seen quickly. I recently went into my husbands bank where there was a "hostess" person welcoming you into the bank, a number of suited banking exec types walking around looking important but not particularly busy! One extremely harassed counter clerk faced with a massive queue and a happy little fellow moving up and down the queue apologising for the delay!! How does that work??!! I'll stick with Santander thank you very much Reviewed on: 11th February 2016

Wouldn't change!

5
I love my bank every branch I been in I've been served with a smile and walked away happy. The online banking and telephone banking is quick and easy too. Wouldn't change bank! #TeamSantander Reviewed on: 11th February 2016

Great security

5
Love my bank Santander always send me a text to confirm an unusual transaction - great security Reviewed on: 11th February 2016

Urge no-one to ever get a joint account

1
I can't stress how terrible Santander are and how much I now loathe them and their terrible policies. Though I can't fault some of the lovely people I have spoken to in branch, they have been extremely unhelpful in helping me with a joint bank account I had with my ex-husband and despite having a legal agreement through the courts, and being in an abusive relationship they are allowing him to still use this account and run up thousands of pounds of debt in it. Ridiculous! I would urge no-one to ever get a joint account as it will cause you endless worry and stress in the long run. Especially not with Santander! Reviewed on: 31st January 2016

I love my bank

5
Every branch I been in I've been served with a smile and walked away happy. The online banking and telephone banking is quick and easy too. Wouldn't change bank! #TeamSantander Reviewed on: 31st January 2016

Easy online banking

5
Easy online banking with no problems, easy page set ups to access your bank account detials including saving and mortgage. My account was old Alliance and Leicster account and I'm sure its not got the best interest rates but as a basic current account its good Reviewed on: 28th January 2016

A good all round current account.

5
I have a basic current account with Santander and it's a case of what you see is what you get. It's no frills and what I need to get by with day to day banking. I've had contact with Santander both in person and via the telephone and have had good sound advice every time. If I have a problem they just sort it out. I'm not the sort of person who wants the hassle of cashback or links to other accounts or mortgages so this is the perfect account for me. A good solid bank account for people who don't want to mess about. Reviewed on: 15th January 2016

knowledgeable and lovely staff

5
my santander account was straight forward to set up. The staff are knowledgeable and understand what they're talking about Reviewed on: 8th January 2016

helpful cuastomer service

3
I went into the branch to deposit a cheque, I was in my electric wheelchair waiting in the queue to deposit the cheque at the counter when a bank employee came over, asked me what I wanted , took my details and the cheque and deposited the cheque for me. All this with a smile Reviewed on: 5th January 2016

Great easy to use account

4
I have been with Santander for probably 20 years, my local branch are really helpful and always there to give you advice Reviewed on: 5th January 2016

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